16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Unrestrained Beams

16/9/2011

Outline
Introduction
Lateral Torsional Buckling
Lateral deflection and twisting
Special cases where LTB checks can be ignored
Moment Resistance
Moment check
Approaches for determining the reduction factor for LTB
LTB Curves – General Case
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors
Buckling Curves for LTB
Elastic Critical Moment for LTB
Correction Factor for Non‐Uniform Moment C1
LTB Curves Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
LTB Curves – Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors –
Comparison of Buckling Curves Given in Clauses 6.3.2.2 & 6.3.2.3
Simplified method for determination of non‐dimensional slenderness
Design Procedure for LTB
Examples
Example URB‐1 (Buckling resistance of UB) 2

R Liew 1
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Introduction
 Lateral torsional buckling (LTB) is a form of buckling that involves both
lateral deflection and twisting. It is a member buckling mode associated
with slender unrestrained beams loaded about their major axis.
 Checks for lateral torsional buckling should be carried out on all
unrestrained segments of beams(between points where lateral restraint
exists).
 If continuous lateral restraint is provided to the beam, then lateral
torsional buckling will be prevented and failure will be due to in-plane
bending and/or shear (refer to restrained beams).
 The load at which LTB occurs may be substantially less than the beam
in-plane bending capacity.

16/9/2011

Lateral Torsional Buckling

R Liew 2
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)

major axis minor axis

moment My moment Mz

Cross-section of the deflected

free end of the cantilever IF
subjected to minor axis moment Δ
Cross-section of the
free end of an
unloaded cantilever

Cross-section of the free end of the 

cantilever that undergoes LTB when
subjected to MAJOR axis moment

LTB involves both a lateral deflection

Demonstration of LTB on a cantilever  and a torsional twist angle  5

16/9/2011

Lateral Deflection and Twisting
Member subjected to MAJOR axis moment Elements under compression
 prone to buckling

Elements under tension

 resist buckling
Partial section under compression

Beam would deflect in the same direction as minor axis

buckling
Weak axis of Strong axis of
compressive section compressive section

When member is subjected to MAJOR axis moment, the upper flange & web are in compression and
act as a strut.
Being free to move, the compression elements would tend to move laterally
However, the tension flange and web are reluctant to move, creating resistance to lateral movement.
As such, the cross-section twists when it deflects, with the tension flange and web dragging behind.
6

R Liew 3
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Special Cases where LTB checks can be ignored 
The following are cases where LTB checks can be ignored:
 SHS, CHS, circular or square bar
 Fully laterally restrained beams
 Minor axis bending
 LT  0.2 for welded sections
LT  Wy f y / M cr
 LT  0.4 for hot rolled sections

16/9/2011

SHS and CHS under bending

No LTB

R Liew 4
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Buckling Resistance
Moment Check
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.1)
Each segment between intermediate lateral restraints or between the end supports of a
member subject to major axis bending should be verified against lateral torsional
buckling using the following:
M Ed
 1.0
M b , Rd

The design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd of a laterally unrestrained beam should
be taken as :
Wy f y
M b , Rd   LT M c , Rd   LT where Wy is the appropriate section modulus
 M1
– Wy = Wpl,y for Class 1 and 2 cross-sections
 M 1  1.0 (refer to NA to SS) – Wy = Wel,y for Class 3 cross-sections
– Wy = Weff,y for Class 4 cross-sections
LT is the reduction factor for LTB
9

16/9/2011

Approaches for Determining the Reduction Factor for LTB
General Case
General Case//Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.2, 6.3.2.3)
The primary method adopts the lateral torsional buckling curves given by equations 6.56
and 6.57.

Simplified Assessment Methods for Beams with Restraints in Buildings
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.4)
This method utilizes a simplified assessment approach for beams with restraints in
buildings given by equations 6.59 and 6.60.  for info only

General Method for Structural Components
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.4)
This method may be used when the above methods do not apply.  for info only

10

R Liew 5
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

LTB Curves –– General Case
LTB Curves 
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.2) – conservative method for general use
For the general case, the value of LT for the appropriate non-dimensional slenderness
is given as follows:
1
 LT   1.0
10
 LT   2LT  LT
2

where  LT  0.5[1   LT (LT  0.2)  LT

2
]
0.5
LT  Wy f y / M cr  2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
M cr  C1   cr2 T 
L2cr  I z  EI z 
LT is an imperfection factor

Mcr is the elastic critical moment for LTB

The general case is also applicable to rolled and welded sections but provides a more 
conservative estimate of the buckling resistance.

11

16/9/2011

LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors 
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors –– General Case
Table 6.4: Recommended lateral torsional buckling curves for cross-sections
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b ≤ 2 a
Rolled I-sections
h/b > 2 b
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded I-sections
h/b > 2 d
Other cross-sections – d

Table 6.3: Recommended values for imperfection factors for lateral torsional buckling curves
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor LT 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

12

R Liew 6
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Buckling Curves for LTB
LT
1.0

0.8

=0.21
0.6 =0.34
=0.49
=0.76
0.4

0.2

0.0 LT
0 1 2 3 4
13

16/9/2011

Elastic Critical Moment for LTB 
Elastic Critical Moment for LTB –– General Case

NCCI (SN003a-EN-EU)
For doubly symmetric cross-sections loaded through its shear center, the elastic critical
moment is given by:
0.5
 2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
M cr  C1   cr2 T 
L2cr  I z  EI z 
where C1 is the correction factor for non-uniform bending moment
Lcr is the buckling length of the beam/segment
G is the shear modulus
IT is the torsion constant
IW is the warping constant
Iz is the section second moment of area about minor axis

LT  Wy f y / M cr

14

R Liew 7
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Simplified assessment of  LT
For hot-rolled doubly symmetric I and H
Sections  LT may be conservatively
simplified to:

z =Lcr /iz

As a further simplification, C1 may also be

conservatively taken = 1.0.
15

16/9/2011

Simplified  LT
of I and H sections
The value of LT can be conservatively estimated by the following table for hot-rolled doubly
symmetric I and H sections with lateral restraints at both ends of the segment only.

Grade LT
Lcr / iz
S235
104
Lcr / iz
S275
96 z =Lcr /iz
Lcr / iz
S355
85 Effective length = Lcr = KL
Lcr / iz
S420
78
Lcr / iz iz = radius of gyration about the minor axis
S460
75 E=210kN/mm2

C1 effect can be included by dividing the value by C1

16

R Liew 8
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Correction Factor for Non‐‐Uniform Moment C1 – General Case
Correction Factor for Non

C1 values for end moment loading

M1
M2 1.88  1.40  0.52 2  2.70
  M 2 / M1  1.0    1.0

C1 values for transverse loading

C1  1.0
(C1 = 1.0 corresponds to the most
severe case loading condition of
constant bending moment)

17

16/9/2011

Effective Length for beams without

intermediate restraint
0.5
Lcr = kL or DL  2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
M cr  C1   cr2 T  LT  Wy f y / M cr
 I z  EI z
2
L cr 

(1)

(2)

(3)

For destabilizing load, Lcr =DL = 1.2L.

18

R Liew 9
 16/9/2011

Typical beam support conditions in building frame

(1)

(2)

(3)

Destabilizing Load

u
Neutral Stabilizing
Load

R Liew 10
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Cantilever

Effective length
Lcr = kL or DL

D = parameter for
destabilizing load

C1 should be 1.0 for cantilever

0.5
 2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
M cr  C1   cr2 T 
L2cr  I z  EI z 

Source: The Institution of Structural

Engineers Manual for the design of
steelwork building structures to Eurocode 3 21

16/9/2011

LTB Curves –– Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
LTB Curves 
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.3) – less conservative method

For rolled or equivalent welded sections in bending, the value of LT for the appropriate
non-dimensional slenderness is given as follows:
1 1.0
10
 LT   2
 LT     1 / LT
2 2
LT LT

where  LT  0.5[1   LT (LT  LT ,0 )   LT

2
]

LT ,0 = 0.4 (rolled sections, hot finished and cold formed hollow sections)
= 0.2 (welded sections)

 = 0.75 (rolled sections, hot finished and cold formed hollow sections)
= 1.00 (welded sections)

LT  Wy f y / M cr

22

R Liew 11
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors 
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors –– Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections

Table 6.5: Recommended lateral torsional buckling curves for cross-sections

Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b ≤ 2 b
Rolled I- and H- sections, and hot-finished hollow sections
2 0 < h/b < 3.1
2.0 31 c
Angles (for moments in the major principal plane) and
d
other hot-rolled sections
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded sections and cold-formed hollow sections
2.0 < h/b < 3.1 d
(refer to NA to SS)

T bl 6.3:
Table 6 3 Recommended
R d d values
l for
f imperfection
i f ti ffactors
t ffor llateral
t l ttorsional
i lb buckling
kli curves
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor LT 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

23

16/9/2011

Comparison of Buckling Curves Given in Clauses 6.3.2.2 & 6.3.2.3
Rolled I
Rolled I‐‐ Section with h/b < 2
LT
1.0
Buckling curve for rolled section
0.8 (Cl 6.3.2.3)

0.6

0.4

0.2 Buckling curve for general case

(Cl 6.3.2.2)

0.0 LT
0 1 2 3 4
24

R Liew 12
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Beams with Intermediate Restraint

Where a beam has effective intermediate restraints the moment
resistance can be based on the length between restraints. For
destabilizing load, Lcr = 1.2L.

Lcr

25

16/9/2011

Beams with Intermediate Restraints

Lateral torsional buckling resistance checks should be carried out on all
unrestrained segments of beams (between the points where lateral restraint
exists).
The effect of moment distribution between the lateral restraints may be taken into
account by modifying LT using Equation 6.58 from EN1993-1-1 Cl 6.3.2.3(2).

26

R Liew 13
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Modifying LT for moment gradient effect

EN1993-1-1 Clause 6.3.2.3(2) and the SS NA.2.18.
The reduction factor is modified to take account of the
moment distribution between the lateral restraints of
members using the reduction factor f:

C1 values for end moment loading

M1 1.88  1.40  0.52 2  2.70

M2
  M 2 / M1  1.0    1.0
27

16/9/2011

Design Procedure for LTB

Determine shear and bending moment diagram from design loads.

Select and classify section.

Determine effective buckling length Lcr.

Determine buckling curve (a, b, c, or d) from Table 6.4 or Table 6.5.

Determine imperfection factor LT from Table 6.3 after identifying the buckling curve.

Determine the elastic critical lateral torsional buckling moment Mcr.

non dimensional slenderness LT .

Calculate non-dimensional

Calculate buckling reduction factor LT .

Determine buckling resistance Mb,Rd .

Check MEd / Mb,Rd ≤ 1.0 for each unrestrained segment.

28

R Liew 14
 16/9/2011

Design Flow Chart for Beams Subjected to LTB

0.5
 2 EI z  I w L2cr GIT 
Compute and draw the SFD and BMD M cr  C1   2 
under design actions
L2cr  I z  EI z 
Wy f y
Select a trial section for the most critical  LT 
M cr
segment based on Mb,Rd

Determine fy and perform section  LT  0.5 1   LT   LT  0.2    LT

2

classification
1
Ultimate strength check  moment and  LT 
shear at critical locations  LT   2LT   LT
2

Section
Member buckling resistance check for each classification
segment
fy fy
M b , Rd   LT W y M b , Rd   LT W y
 M1  M1
Serviceability check M Ed  M b , Rd 29
29

16/9/2011

Examples

30

R Liew 15
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Example URB
URB--1: Buckling Resistance of UB
A beam of span 10 m is simply supported at its ends and unrestrained along its length. It
supports a uniformly distributed load across the entire span and a point load at its mid-span.
Check and verify if section UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel is suitable for this beam. Assume
that the beam carried plaster finish.
Unfactored load values:
Dead Load UDL 5 kN/m Imposed Load UDL 10 kN/m
Point load 50 kN Point load 100 kN

31

16/9/2011

Ultimate Limit State

The section and loading are the same as Example RB-1.
Perform the same section classification, shear check, deflection check as described in
Example RB-1.
In this example, we will perform check on the lateral torsional buckling for this unrestrained
beam.

67.5 kN + 150 kN
UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel
6.75 kN/m + 15 kN/m

5m 5m
217.5 kN 217.5 kN

Design Moment
Maximum bending moment at mid-span: MEd = (6.75+15)*102/8 + (67.5+150)*10/4 = 816 kNm.

Design Shear
Maximum shear force at the supports: VEd = 217.5 kN.
32

R Liew 16
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Buckling Length Assume beam end conditions: Compression flange

laterally restrained; Nominal torsional restraint against
Lcr = 10m rotation about longitudinal axis; Both flanges free to
rotate on plan; Normal loading condition; k= 1.0 and
Lcr = 10m
Imperfection Factor
h/b = 536.7/210.0 = 2.6 > 2
Use buckling curve c (refer to Table 6.5)
6 5)
Imperfection factor αLT = 0.49 (refer to Table 6.3)

Elastic Critical Moment Comment: for beam subject to UDL C1 = 1.132

Assume C1 = 1.0 (conservative estimate) for Mid-span point load C1 1.365
Conservatively you may select C1 = 1.132 instead of 1.0
0.5
 2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
M cr  C1   cr2 T 
L2cr  I z  EI z 


 2 * 210000 * (2690 * 104 )  1.81* 1012


100002 * 81000 * 101*10 4   6
0.5

  10
100002

 2690 * 10
4

π 2 * 210000 * 2690 *104  
 258 kNm

33

16/9/2011

0.5
W pl,y f y  2 EI z  I w L2 GI 
LT  M cr  C1   cr2 T 
M cr L2cr  I z  EI z 

34

R Liew 17
 16/9/2011

16/9/2011

Non-Dimensional Slenderness
Simplified assessment
W pl,y f y (2610 * 103 ) * 345
LT    1.868 Lcr / iz 10000 / 45.7
M cr 258 * 106 LT    2.57
85 85
Buckling Reduction Factor (more conservative!)

0 5[1   LT (LT  LT ,0 )  LT

 LT  0.5[1 2
] Less conservative method Eq.
Eq 6.57
6 57

 0.5[1  0.49 * (1.868  0.4)  0.75 * 1.8682 ]  2.17

1 / LT
2
 1 / (1.8682 )  0.287
1
 LT 
 LT   2LT  LT
2

1
  0.277
2.17  2.172  0.75 * (1.8682 )

Buckling Resistance
W pl,y f y (2610 *103 ) * 345
M b,Rd   LT  0.277 * * 106  249 kNm
γM 1 1.0
Since MEd = 816 kNm > Mb,Rd, resistance to lateral torsional buckling is inadequate.
35

16/9/2011

Re-design the beam- Options?

UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel is inadequate

67.5 kN + 150 kN

6.75 kN/m + 15 kN/m

5m 5m
217.5 kN 217.5 kN

36

R Liew 18
 16/9/2011

UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel

is NOT adequate
MEd = 816 kNm
L = 10m
C1 = 1.0
D i T
Design bl P
Table Page D 65
D-65
select
533x312x182 UB S355 Steel,
Buckling resistance
Mby,Rd = 965kNm >816kNm

Design Table Page D-103

533x312x182 UB S355 Steel,
Design shear resistance
Vc,Rd = 1740 kN >217.5 kN

Example URB2
The simply supported beam shown below is restrained laterally at the
ends and at the points of load applications only. For the given loading,
design the beam in S275 steel.

Gk 1 , Qk 1 Gk 2 , Qk 2
A B C D

Beam 1 Beam 2
3m 3m 3m

Permanent: Imposed:
self-weight: 3 kN/m point load, beam 1, Qk1 = 60 kN
point load, beam 1, Gk1 = 40 kN point load, beam 2, Qk2 = 30 kN
point load, beam 2, Gk2 = 20 kN

38

R Liew 19
 16/9/2011

Example 4.3
For beam with intermediate lateral restraints, C1 = 1.0
Design loads:
UDL = 3 × 1.35 = 4.05 kN/m
FD1 = 40 × 1.35
1 35 + 60 × 1.5
1 5 = 144 kN; FD2 = 20 × 1.35
1 35 + 30 × 1.5
1 5 = 72 kN

144 kN 72 kN
4.05 kN/m
A D
B C
3m 3m 3m
138.2
Shear (kN) 126.1

17.9 30.1
102.1
114.2
Bending (kNm)

324.5
396.5
39

16/9/2011

MEd = 396.5kNm Lcr = 3m

Page C-67 Select 457x 191 x 82 UB S275 steel

40

R Liew 20
 16/9/2011

Tutorial questions
• What are the main different behaviour between
laterally restrained and un-restrained steel beam?
Unrestrained beam deflects and buckles laterally
• What are the main factors affecting the bending
capacity of laterally unrestrained steel beams?
Unbraced length, cross sectional shapes, loading, end
support conditions etc.
• How do we prevent lateral torsional buckling of
beams?
Use hollow sections; provide adequate lateral bracing
• How do we ensure lateral restraints are effective?
• Need to anchor the lateral tie

R Liew 21